Tony Abbott

Saint Paul

Editor-in-Chief at Hockey Wilderness

Editor-in-Chief at @hockeywildernes. Trivia Person. Veteran of over 100 Pokemon TCG games. Former: @TheAthleticMIN, @10KRinks, @hockeywildernes

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Articles

Marco Rossi Can Prove the Doubters Wrong... But Does It Matter?

5 days ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

34 years after his Austrian countryman staved it off, Judgement Day has finally arrived for Marco Rossi. After completing two 82-game campaigns in a row, piling up 45 goals and 100 points in the process, Rossi has won much of the State of Hockey over with his play. For good reason: He's as responsible as anyone on the Minnesota Wild for them getting into the playoffs. We can already count six standings points that came directly off his stick.
What Hope Is There For the Wild Against the Vegas Golden Knights?

6 days ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

After the Minnesota Wild clinched their playoff spot on Tuesday, the FanDuel Sports Network flashed a graphic across the screen. The stat? Most Western Conference playoff appearances over the last 11 years, and the Minnesota Wild were first with nine. It's a stat that's simultaneously impressive and meaningless, like Tracy McGrady leading the NBA in scoring on a 21-61 Orlando Magic team in 2004.
Marc-Andre Fleury's Send-Off Completed An Emotional Rollercoaster

1 week ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

On Tuesday, the Xcel Energy Center witnessed a final outpouring of gratitude for an icon. After Leo Carlsson clanked a goal off the legendary posts, Marc-Andre Fleury gave them one last heartfelt thank-you pat. Of course, maybe that was overshadowed by the 19,000 in attendance roaring as the magical, surprise end of Fleury’s regular season career played out. No screenwriter could have come up with the ending of Game 82 of the Minnesota Wild's season.
What's Different For the Wild Heading Into the Playoffs?

1 week ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

After the Minnesota Wild clinched their playoff spot on Tuesday, the FanDuel Sports Network flashed a graphic across the screen. The stat? Most Western Conference playoff appearances over the last 11 years, and the Minnesota Wild (with nine) were first. It's a stat that's simultaneously impressive and meaningless, like Tracy McGrady leading the NBA in scoring on a 21-61 Orlando Magic team in 2004.
Playing Zeev Buium Would Help the Wild's Short- and Long-Term Goals

1 week ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

Tonight's not the night. The Minnesota Wild announced that Zeev Buium won't play Tuesday as the team tries to sew up their playoff spot in Game 82. If the team isn't willing to put their top prospect into the lineup for a must-win game against the 35-37-8 Anaheim Ducks, it's far from guaranteed that he'd get in the lineup for the playoffs. But one thing is certain: He should.
Which Brock Faber Is Going To the Playoffs?

1 week ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

When Brock Faber inked the contract extension that will make him the Minnesota Wild's highest-paid defenseman next year, general manager Bill Guerin made his expectations clear regarding what he wanted for the $8.5 million AAV. Brock Faber. "You're getting this because of who you are as a player and a person," the GM told his foundational defenseman. "Don't ever change." Guerin said that came after a rookie season where Faber's expectations shifted dramatically.
Where Are the Dingers In Minnesota?

1 week ago | zonecoverage.com | Tony Abbott

It’s still weird to look at the Minnesota Twins and go, “Yeah, this team should mash,” but that’s the baseline expectation in the 2020s. Since the 2019 Bomba Squad, the Twins haven’t finished lower than 14th in home runs. Heading into the season with Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, Matt Wallner, and someday, Royce Lewis, that trend should continue.
Marcus Foligno Is On Top Of the World On the Top Line

2 weeks ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

Marcus Foligno has been in a Minnesota Wild sweater for almost eight years and over 500 games. How many of those have been on the top line? Without an exact count, a rough estimate would be "not many." Foligno has long been the Wild's "identity" player, the example which GM Bill Guerin wants his team to follow. He can chip in a goal occasionally, but he frontloads his game with a tough forechecking style and can get into scraps when needed.
Expect Marco Rossi To Rebound Soon

2 weeks ago | hockeywilderness.com | Tony Abbott

No Kirill Kaprizov? No problem. At least, that was the case with Marco Rossi for a while. When the Minnesota Wild's superstar winger went down with injury just before Christmas, he left his center in a tricky spot. Rossi was enjoying a true breakout season, with 12 goals and 28 points through 35 games. Those were impressive numbers. Still, how long would they last without Kaprizov's ability to set up and finish golden scoring chances? Improbably, Rossi shone even brighter without Kaprizov.
Harrison Smith Is Chasing A Ring In A Way Only He Can

3 weeks ago | zonecoverage.com | Cole Smith |Tony Abbott |Wyatt Wade |Chris Schad

The Minnesota Vikings were aggressive in free agency, addressing holes across the roster. They signed linemen on both sides of the ball, traded for Jordan Mason to bolster the running game, and added Isaiah Rodgers to the secondary. But one move stood above the rest, even if it involves a familiar face. Harrison Smith decided to return and play his 14th NFL season, agreeing to a reworked $10 million contract.